Russian commentator Dmitry Guberniev said that skier Veronika Stepanova caused rejection among the old at heart “Soviet sport”.
“Those who are young at heart, have a sense of humor, and read books treat Stepanova with respect. For those who are old at heart, perhaps even very old, Nika causes rejection,” said Guberniev.
Stepanova won five awards at the Strongest Spartakiad (three gold and two silver).
At the end of February 2022, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) appealed to international sports federations, recommending that Russian and Belarusian athletes not be allowed to participate in any competitions. Russian skiers and biathletes missed the remainder of the 2021/22 season and the next two seasons.
In February 2024, skiers took part in the second All-Russian Spartakiad. It took place from 9 to 18 February 2024 on the territory of the five constituent entities of the Russian Federation.
Previously Stepanova acquired Two million rubles for five days of Spartakiad.